Nicolaus Copernicus

Nicolaus Copernicus

The earth was the center of the universe until the polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus discovered that the sun was the center of the solar system. Nicolaus Copernicus was born on February 19, 1473, in the town of Thorn witch is now know as Torun, this is located in Poland. Nicolaus father, Niklas Koppernigk, died when Nicolaus was only 10. Copernicus's uncle Lucas Watzenrode who later became a powerful Bishop made sure that his nephew obtained a solid education. Nicolaus?s uncle enrolled him in such Universities as the University of Cracow, University of Bologna, University of Padua, and the University of Ferrara. At these fine Universities, Copernicus studied mathematics, philosophy, astronomy, and astrology law and medicine. When he returned to Poland he spent time as a physician in his uncle?s castle. Furthermore he was assisting in the administration of the diocese and in the conflict against the Teutonic Knights. After he was elected a canon through his uncle's influence, he had received more income so he could devote more of his time to his one true interest astronomy. In 1512, Copernicus set himself the task of examining various systems of the world that had been proposed in the past. In this personal task of his he came across something astonishing about our solar system. Copernicus wrote In the center of everything the Sun must reside... there is the place which awaits him where he can give light to all the planets. Nicolaus felt that having the Sun at the center of the Solar System simplified matters. Copernicus stated the theory that the earth rotates daily on its axis and revolves yearly around the sun. Before then almost everyone thought that the earth was flat and that wheels drove the sun, stars and the moon. People also thought that the earth was the center of all stars that were stuck in some giant tent that covered the earth Nicolaus Copernicus proved them wrong. He later died in Frauenburg, Poland on May 24, 1543....